Here come the brides!
On February 8, 2014, R&B Divas star Monifah wed the love of her life, Terez, during an unforgettable oceanfront ceremony in Hawaii.
The romantic, evening ceremony took place at The Modern Hotel in Honolulu with a little help from their friends and family. Singer Rashan Patterson was in attendance and performed a special song while her fellow cast mates Syleenah Johnson, KeKe Wyatt, LaTavia Roberson, Angie Stone and Meelah Williams were also by her side to help celebrate.
“It’s something I’ve never done before,” says Monifah. “It’s all new and wonderful. My life is merged and my spirit has merged with somebody else.”
The reality TV cameras were still rolling, of course, so fans will get a chance to see the couple’s wedding day unfold on the show’s finale, which airs on June 25th at 10pm. The newlyweds hung out in Hawaii after their wedding but still plan to visit Fiji for a second honeymoon. We caught up with the songstress, who admits that she’s the happiest she has ever been. Find out what the glowing bride loved most about her big day, where she found that dress and much more. Plus, see exclusive first photos!
ESSENCE.com: How did it feel to be a bride?
MONIFAH: I was excited. I didn’t really have too many nerves. I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to be frazzled and crazy about stuff that was insignificant. Because the bottom line was as along as Terez was there, I was good. That’s all I really cared about. Of course I wanted to be beautiful, but before we started planning I had already had in my mind that it’s going to be what it’s going to be, and I’m not going to fret over things that were not in my control. I just cared about my wedding dress, good food, hair and makeup. With everything else, I was fine. It could have rained…whatever, as long as I was marrying my best friend. Acceptance is key.
ESSENCE.com: What was your absolute favorite wedding moment?
MONIFAH: Seeing Terez’s face as I walked towards her. That’s all I saw. I focused on her. I didn’t want to cry, but she was crying so she almost made me cry. When she saw me, I could tell she was crying too.
ESSENCE.com: You both looked absolutely beautiful. What song did you walk down the aisle to?
MONIFAH: Rahsaan Patterson performed “Can’t We Wait A Minute?” He’s a friend of mine. My second time seeing him in concert, she was with me. When he sang this song and the words, I just started crying because I was like, “That’s me and my baby!” I was crying and she was crying. I looked over and said to her, “Babe, I think we found our wedding song!” I wish everyone would have gotten to see it, but for some reason they don’t show him on the episode. That was the best!
ESSENCE.com: How did you decide on that fierce, non-traditional gown?
MONIFAH: You know, that’s just me. I’m non-traditional anyway. I like to do me. I wasn’t walking down the aisle in a white dress. I love black. It’s striking, it’s beautiful, and you know what? It was my day! I designed the dress myself. It was a variation of three dresses that I saw that I loved. I put them together and it worked. The English netting, with the nude under-bodice, I loved. I had an amazing couturier and sketcher who helped me bring the vision to life. I think I’m going to frame it!
ESSENCE.com: Who was in your bridal party? Any bridesmaids?
MONIFAH: No, just our parents and us. I didn’t want all of that; it would have just been too much. It was very last minute for a wedding. We planned it in a couple of months, and really more like a month and a half. I’m too old for that! (Ha!)
Tune in to R&B Divas: Atlanta on Wednesdays at 10p.m. EST.
Photos: Robert Kley for TV One